Belfast Boy

Inspired by a visit to Belfast recently, the first time was in the early 80s. My attempt at a kind of song.

I dated you once.

You lived on a certain side

of the Cave hill.

You loved Scotland –

Runrig, Gaelic, Joy Division.

Perhaps you were typical of

an Ulster boy with a best friend

called Paul McCartney –

always hugging the Mulls.

You showed me the sights

from Newcastle to the Causeway

that stretch of coast which kept Alba

in view. I loved it too.

I crossed to Carrickarede for you.

We drifted apart –

our youth, separate dreams,

we needed to grow and learn.

Belfast boy, I wonder if you ever yearn.

You became an engineer,

we met again –

the flame long gone.

I loved you once, I couldn’t repeat it.

Last I heard you lived in France –

a roadie with a band and a Gallic beauty

‘too good-looking for her own good,’ you said.

I didn’t rate her chance of freedom.

Belfast boy, I hope your plans panned out.

I hope you appreciate the past that made you.

I loved you once, I couldn’t repeat it.

I loved you once, I couldn’t repeat it.